generator on the truck

[KParsons]

is poss to mount a 10 to 12 k gen under the hood of a 06. and use it for back up home use. k

 

[R.Taylor]

Might be cheaper to buy a stand-alone gen.

 

[rbattelle]

While I agree with the other posters, I will say that it seems to me if you really want a big generator on board it would be best to use the PTO rather than the engine compartment.

Attach a hydraulic pump to the PTO, then buy a hydraulically-driven generator set.

-Ryan

 

[jgillott]

I agree on the PTO powered generator idea. We have an F750 service body at our company that uses a similar setup and it is very easy to use. I'm not sure of the specifics though. As others have mentioned, when you factor upfit cost etc, you may be better off with a large portable gen set.

 

[Road Dog]

I have a tractor and thought of getting a generator for it but a stand-alone generator is generally much cheaper than a PTO driven one. The generator has to run at constant RPM to get the 120V, 60Hz AC output. With an integrated unit it's easy to control the throttle. Off the PTO you're running full power all the time which wastes a lot of fuel.

Dodge built a hybrid Diesel RAM with an integrated gen-set but it was fleet order only -- for the US Army I think -- so the average person couldn't order one. I don't know if any were actually sold.

 

[KParsons]

lister diesel gen

i was thinking of a lister 12-2 for a 10 k gen . but this set up will cost 3k to build. so i was thinking well, on the truck might work?k

 

[Kirwin]

12K Onan Quiet Diesel in the bed on my 03

I have a 12 kw Onan Quiet Diesel in the back of my truck. It takes up alot of bed space but it is a sweet set up for what I use it for! Search for "Axle weights with 98 gallon Transfer Flow" in the towing and hauling forum and my post with pictures will come up. Ken Irwin

 

[Grizzly]

I remember seeing an optional generator, under the hood, on a 1972+/- F250 furd. I don't know any details as to why furd offered it or what wattage it was. Some of you old timers help out here.

 

[Hitec.Redneck]

I have seen setups like what you are talking about on some Red Cross Communication Trucks. They have some trucks that are basically mobile communication centers and they have generator mounted on the engine. The one I seen was built on a Excursion frame and had a 8. 5kw generator that ran off the engine. Not sure what the run time is and how much fuel was on board. These are very impressive vehicles they are capable of providing wireless internet access via satellite after disasters and they are stuffed full of a wide range of communications equipment.

 

[TBartlett1]

I put a lot of thought into my preparation for Y2K. I purchased a quality 4000 watt unit for bare necessities such as water, lights and heat for short outages and during the night when power demand is minimal.

I also purchased a 25k PTO Generac generator that mounts easily on my tractor for extended outages and has the ability to run the entire house. It attaches to my tractor and can be carried on the hitch and connects to the house with a 200 amp transfer switch.

I mounted a 100 amp breaker panel on my generator for various 220v connections, and 15 & 20 amp outlets. I can bring power anywhere for extended times.

I would recommend the PTO generator especially if you have a diesel tractor because it has some advantages;

No fuel to go bad during extended storage unlike gasoline powered units.

Many people who have a gasoline generator fill it with fuel and roll it into a corner and forget about it thinking it will be ready if needed. Most don't know that gasoline goes bad and plugs carburetors.

Safer storage of fuel.

Larger KW capacity.

More economical to run because the power can be a compact diesel tractor which is much more efficient than a gasoline powered unit.

My Ford 1720 tractor (28hp) is in use and always ready and can generate 10 to 12kw.

Homes that use oil for heat and all farms have 250+ gallons of fuel on hand so there is a built in supply of fuel for the (tractor) generator for extended use.

Carrying a PTO generator on a truck unless weather proofed in my opinion would be a bad idea.

 

[HHhuntitall]

While I do a lot of custom work, this is a first for me... . I like the idea, but with the newer CTDs I don't think it's easily possible in the engine compartment. There are so many constraints for space, power transfer, and cooling I don't think it can or should be done easily... . as far as an auxilary drive off the PTO, that can be done very easily, and practically. I would stay away from the hydraulic driven units, as the oil has to be cooled with extended use, and I would suggest a direct CV driveshaft or belt driven setup, mounted remotely under or in the bed. Weather proofing is a must with copper coiled generator heads. A utitlity bed makes a great place to hide one, but on a regular bed, perhaps a toolbox can be modified to fit. Either way, it's been done before, and can easily be done again, as all mentioned above.